Brad Stanford: First off, there's a huge difference between a knee brace, a knee stabilizer, and a knee sleeve. You need to be clear about what you're looking for in order to get the results you want. That being said, if you're looking for knee braces (maximum support but limited mobility) then you can't go wrong with the Shock Doctor brand. Are they a little expensive? Absolutely. But are they worth the money? I truly believe so. If you're looking for a knee sleeve that does more prevention and increased blood flow, you'll want to look at the Viper series...

Overview At some point, most runners will experience some form of knee pain or injury. Braces may aid in pain reduction and provide structural support following injury. It is important to determine which brace is appropriate based on the injury sustained. 1. Patellar Stabilizing Brace Patellar tracking injuries or pain arises when the patella, also known as the kneecap, does not properly track in the groove of the femur, or thigh bone, leading to pain and friction. A patellar stabilizing brace is designed to help provide optimal patellar tracking. Typically these braces will have a strap, or block, to hold...

Your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, helps stabilize your knee during physical activities like running. A partial tear or complete rupture of your ACL can lead to knee instability, pain and swelling. Running with a torn ACL may be possible after conservative rehabilitation but depends on the severity of the tear and your symptoms. Consult your physician about your treatment options. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Your ACL is located in your knee and connects your thighbone and shinbone. It stabilizes your knee by preventing your shinbone from moving or translating forward during activities like running. A fall, twisting motion or direct...

Knee pain can be attributed to many things, including arthritis, strains, sprains, tendinitis, inflammation and cartilage issues. There are knee braces specifically designed for these problems. Brace types range from basic sleeves to functional custom knee braces. Obtaining the correct diagnosis from a medical professional is helpful in determining which type of brace you may need. Sleeves Sleeve-type braces can be as basic as a simple neoprene style, with the primary function of compression for swelling with a minimal amount of support. These sleeves may have a hole for the patella, or kneecap, or be of a solid nature. If...